Holiday Tip 3: Keep Moving When It’s Cold Outside

Stay active during the holidays.

By Amy Tenderich
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Amy Tenderich was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in May of 2003. She is the founder and editor-in-chief of Diabetes Mine and co-authored the book Know Your Numbers, Outlive Your Diabetes. You will frequently find her speaking at diabetes, health, and social media events across the country.

Do not “shut down” for the winter. During the holidays, you need physical activity more than ever, as it helps you stay stable both physically and mentally.

Remember that rest and relaxation don’t have to be equivalent with slouching around the house. Exercise is very invigorating and should be part of your relaxation time.

Get moving

Sign up for an exercise class at a gym or local community center. Aerobics, stretching, yoga, spinning, swimming, etc.

Take a local fitness boot camp class. These classes include a variety of exercise activities.

Try dancing. It's easy to get started, all you have to do is throw on your favorite music and get moving right in the comfort of your home.

Take the stairs! Skip the elevator or escalator, and take the fit route.

Walk the halls at work. Just because you are at the office all day doesn't mean you can't keep moving.

Emmy, a reader of mine, shared the following last year:

I work in the corporate offices, and with three seven-story buildings, each the length of a football field, I have plenty of room to go roaming. I make an effort not to call or email anyone when I can walk to their cube, especially if going to their cube means I can take the stairs. I also take a 20-minute stretch break in the afternoon. I get up and just roam the halls, especially the ones that go by the gorgeous windows.

Stay motivated

Sounds good, but you’re probably still wondering how to stay motivated? A couple of tips for that too:

Set a fitness goal. Consider signing up for a sporting event like a walk or run that you’ll be training towards. It’s good to have a concrete goal to strive for.

Wear a pedometer or fitness tracker. Track your progress, and watch as you rack up more steps per day or week.

Do your exercise with other people. It's more fun this way, and it's an obligation that you won’t want to cancel on.

Make a financial commitment. Joining a gym or workout class will motivate you. You’ll want to get your money’s worth, won’t you?